Rhetoric School

9th-12th Grade

A golden opportunity to infuse wisdom and eloquence…

In the rhetoric stage, students become concerned with what others think of them. This change in students’ development is a golden opportunity to infuse wisdom and eloquence. During rhetoric school, students will refine their ability to recognize ideas, form an argument, and communicate eloquently and convincingly. These skills culminate in the defense of a senior thesis. Students are focused on learning, integrating, and communicating truth across all disciplines in both speech and written word. The formal study of rhetoric begins in 10th grade.

What Your Child Will be Doing in Rhetoric School

N

Initiated as an Academy student leader through a Blazer Ceremony in 9th grade

N

Deeply engage the wonder, mastery, integration approach to the sciences and conduct formal science labs

N

Study history, literature, and theology as one integrated whole

N

Develop a robust Biblical worldview and learn how to think like a Christian

N

Recite great poetry

N

Write well-structured, eloquent, and persuasive papers

N

Go beyond typical STEM learning, by seeing how advancement in math and sciences require the ability to make connections between multiple disciplines

N

Consider how historical events shape and are shaped by literature

N

Read full Latin texts

N

Write and defend a senior thesis involving both secondary and primary sources that integrate across multiple subjects

The Socratic Method of Teaching

Socratic teaching is a guided question and answer form that is highly effective in teaching students to think. The teacher typically asks a broad “opinion” question that seems to have no right answer. Then, as the students attempt to answer, the teacher guides them through the use of logic toward thoughtful and defensible conclusions.

While this seems straightforward, Socratic teaching is an art. It takes time, which is why most schools do not practice it. This teaches students to use their minds in a way that develops independent thinking, rather than simply repeating information they are given.

What Parents Are Saying…

“As parents, we truly want the best education for our children that we can possibly provide, so it’s exciting to come together and work as a team in providing that education for the students… Because the Academy provides the opportunity for a unique and different educational experience, our students’ love of learning is enhanced and furthered.”

“The teachers take a deep interest in each teen. We have seen our son blossom from a young man who refused to practice speaking in front of his family, to an articulate young man who willingly stood before approximately nine hundred people to lead in responsive reading. “

“The university-schedule provides structure, accountability, academic rigor, and increased time at home.  The increased time at home allows us more opportunities to impart our faith and values on our children, and be involved in outside activities without the taxing demands of the traditional school schedule and homework. They look forward to attending campus days and cherish the time they have with the teachers and other students.”

“The academics are rigorous and refining in such a way that the heart is drawn in to see and savor the good, the true, and the beautiful. We are thankful and proud to be a part of this academic institution that is creating thoughtful and compassionate leaders.”